*
banner

MSLBBA Solo & Ensemble Contest

It's a bit of a mouthful but there is plenty on offer in Musselburgh next month for budding soloists and ensembles — all under the eye of Les Neish.

 

Mid Scotland and Lothian Brass Band Association (formerly Edinburgh Charities Band Association) will hold their annual solo and ensemble contest in Musselburgh East Community Centre on November 8th.

Break Out

The timetable will include two ‘break-out’ sessions where the adjudicator will deliver a masterclass.

The adjudicator is Les Neish, principal tuba with Foden’s Band, the current British Open Champion. Masterclasses are open to both competitors and non competitors and are free of charge. The accompanist for all sections is Fiona Dixon.

Timetable – Subject to entry levels.

MSLBBA will attempt to run to this schedule but reserve the right to alter timings as necessary.

The timetable will include two ‘break-out’ sessions where the adjudicator will deliver a masterclassOrganisers

Timetable:

Assemble & roll-call: 9:10am
Junior Draw: 9:15am

Start of Junior Ensembles: 9:30am
Start of Junior Solos: 9:50am
Approx time. The Junior solos start immediately after the Junior ensembles

Intermediate roll call & draw: 10:00am
Start of Intermediate Ensembles: 11:15am
Approx time. The Intermediate ensembles start immediately after the Junior solos

Start of Intermediate Solos: 11:40am
Approx time. The intermediate solos will start immediately after the Intermediate ensembles.

Youth roll call & draw: 12:30pm

Announcement of results & presentation of prizes – Intermediate & Youth contests: 13:00pm
Approx time. The adjudicator & accompanist will have a break immediately after the intermediate soloists finish.

Breakout: 13:30pm
Approx time. This will take place after the awards presentation. The adjudicator invites the morning’s prizewinners and competitors to take part in a masterclass/workshop session.

Open roll call and draw: 14:00pm
Start of Youth Ensembles: 14:00pm
Approx time — the Youth ensembles will start immediately after the breakout.

Start of Youth Solos: 14:30pm
Approx time — the Youth solos will start immediately after the Youth ensembles

Start of Open Ensembles: 15:30pm
Approx time — the Open ensembles will start immediately after the Youth solos

Start of Open Solos: 16:00pm
Approx time — the Open solos will start immediately after the open ensembles.

Announcement of Results & presentation of prizes – Open & Youth contests: 16:30pm
Approx time. This will take place immediately after the open contest finishes.

Breakout: 16:45pm
The adjudicator invites the afternoon’s prizewinners and competitors to take part in a masterclass/workshop session.

Prizes:

Best soloist in each category will receive the British Energy trophies, and a keepsake award. Best ensemble in each category will receive the British Energy trophies and keepsake awards.

1st & 2nd runners up in each category receive keepsake awards.

The top 3 places in the junior, intermediate and youth sections will
be invited to compete at the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble Finals on Saturday 7 February 2009.

MSLBBA thank British Energy Generation (UK) Ltd., of Torness Nuclear Power Station for their generous donation of the trophies in 2003.

Entries:

Entries should be forwarded to the Secretary on or before the 1st November 2008.

After that date, there will be no fee refund for withdrawals and any late entries will only be accepted with double the entry fee. The absolute deadline will be 5th November, after which no further entries will be accepted.

29 Middleshot Square
Prestonpans
East Lothian
EH32 9RQ
Tel 01875 813142

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd